Warranted by Provincial Grand Master Harrison on February 21, 1765, Union Lodge No. 1 (Now: Mount Vernon Lodge No. 3) is the oldest Lodge in New York State, outside of New York City.
Masonry is the oldest fraternity in the world, although no one can claim to know its exact origins. There is evidence that the Masonry we know today probably grew out of the guilds of stonemasons who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages. The generally accepted beginning of modern speculative Freemasonry is considered to be 1717, when the first Grand Lodge was formed in London, England.
In the U.S., many of the Founding Fathers were Masons, including: Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. From presidents, astronauts, and sports heroes to carpenters, CEOs, and bus drivers, millions of Masons have made our country what it is today. As Masons, history, tradition, and pride are central concepts in our lives.
Founded in 1765, Union Lodge No. 1 (Now: Mount Vernon Lodge No. 3) is the oldest lodge in New York State, outside of New York City. We trace our roots to a traveling military lodge of the British Army during the French and Indian War, which raised Masons and left them behind in Albany. With them they also left a copy of the military Lodge warrant, which was intended to permit them to function as a Masonic Lodge until a proper warrant could be acquired.
